FEEDING AND BREEDING ECOLOGY OF ASHY-WREN WARBLER (PRINIA SOCIALIS) IN POTHWAR PLATEAU, PAKISTAN Authors: M. Sarwar, I. Hussain Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (JAPS) ISSN: 1018-7081 (Print), 2309-8694 (Online) Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Pages: 647-650 Year: 2018 DOI: NA URL: https://doi.org/NA Publisher: Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum Abstract:

Ashy-wren warbler (Prinia socialis) is a common inhabitant of the agro-ecosystem of Pothwar plateau, Pakistan but data on its feeding and breeding ecology in this area are lacking. We investigated the diet and breeding of this bird in farmlands of Pothwar plateau. The analysis of 200 fecal samples showed that P. socialis is an insectivorous bird and feeds on flies, mosquitoes, bugs, termites, aphids, weevils and beetles. Breeding data revealed that these birds nest in low shrubs during May to September. We found 30 nests having 112 eggs in total. Mean (+SD) clutch size was 3.73 + 0.79whileaverage incubation period and nestling period was 11.65 + 0.52 days and 11.89 + 0.68 days respectively. Hatching, fledging and breeding success was 62.06%, 50% and 31.03% respectively. The main threats to the species were predation, human disturbance and harsh weather.

Keywords: Ashy wren warbler, ashy prinia, food habits, breeding, farmland